A project to help create a healthier environment for the Leeds area took a leap forward with the planting of around 1,000 trees and shrubs at The Donkey Sanctuary Leeds.
Funded by Leeds City Council, the Woodland Creation project will not only provide a healthier environment, but will also benefit the sanctuary’s resident donkeys at the centre in Eccup.
The plant species, which include field maple, beech and hazel, have been planted around the sanctuary, and when grown, will provide added protection from the elements and a host of enrichment and browsing opportunities for the donkeys. The trees will also help with drainage and reduce flood risk by absorbing moisture in the soil.
Set in the glorious Yorkshire countryside, the sanctuary is also a haven for wildlife, including deer, badger, fox, hedgehog and countless bird species, and the new trees and hedgerows will provide a secure environment for them.
Cathryn Hampshire, Leeds Centre Manager, said: “As well as bringing many benefits for our donkeys, we are proud to have created new heritage at The Donkey Sanctuary Leeds by planting a woodland that will be here for generations to come.
“Planting trees not only improves the environment by creating more oxygen for us to breathe, but also helps remove carbon dioxide from the air, significantly reducing pollution. Equally important is the encouragement it provides for a healthier lifestyle and greater appreciation of the environment.”
The Woodland Creation project aims to help provide cleaner air for the city of Leeds and the surrounding area, as well as providing a healthy environment for the community and safe habitat for the diverse local wildlife.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for public health and active lifestyles said: “Not only does this project deliver major benefits to the donkeys living at the sanctuary, it will also help us to increase biodiversity by creating more woodland space for birds and wildlife to live, and provide accessible woodlands for the wider community which will improve the health and wellbeing of our residents.
“We have an ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030 and part of that ambition will see us plant 5.8million trees over the next 25 years, schemes such as this one will help us deliver that.”
The Donkey Sanctuary Leeds offers donkey-assisted activities to people in the local community. The ground-based activities support people’s self-development and wellbeing, helping individuals to better deal with challenging and stressful situations in everyday life, while also promoting positive attitudes towards donkeys.
For interviews, images and information please contact The Donkey Sanctuary press office on 01395 573124 or 07870 849563 (including out of hours) or send an email.
The Donkey Sanctuary is the world's largest equine welfare charity. Our vision is a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. We run 10 sanctuaries around the UK and Europe, giving lifelong care to more than 7,000 donkeys and mules. Our hospital treats sick donkeys and trains vets both nationwide and worldwide. Our donkey-facilitated learning programme helps vulnerable children and adults develop life skills by connecting with donkeys on an emotional and physical level. The charity operates programmes worldwide for animals working in agriculture, industry and transportation, and those used in the production of meat and skin.
Please note that the name ‘The Donkey Sanctuary’ should not be abbreviated to ‘Donkey Sanctuary’, and the word ‘The’ should always appear with a capital ‘T’ as above.